Is Ravnica Based on Prague?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to world-building and creating fictional cities, authors and game designers often draw inspiration from real-life locations. One such example is the city of Prague, which has been linked to the world of Ravnica in Magic: The Gathering.

Ravnica is a plane of existence in the Magic: The Gathering universe, and it is home to ten guilds that represent different ideologies and philosophies. The city itself is a sprawling metropolis that covers the entire plane, with each guild controlling a specific district.

So, how does Prague fit into all of this?

Many fans have noticed similarities between Ravnica and Prague’s Old Town district. Both feature winding cobblestone streets, majestic cathedrals, and Gothic architecture. In fact, some of the artwork for Ravnica features buildings that bear a striking resemblance to those found in Prague.

One notable example is St. Vitus Cathedral, which appears to have inspired the design for one of the guildhalls in Ravnica. The cathedral’s intricate spires and Gothic arches can be seen in the artwork for Orzhov Guildgate.

Another similarity between Ravnica and Prague is their histories. Both have been shaped by centuries of conflict, with various factions vying for power and influence.

In Prague’s case, this includes everything from medieval battles to communist rule. Meanwhile, on Ravnica, each guild has its own agenda and constantly seeks to outmaneuver its rivals.

Of course, it’s worth noting that while there are certainly similarities between Ravnica and Prague, there are also plenty of differences. For one thing, Ravnica is much larger than Prague could ever hope to be – after all, it covers an entire plane of existence!

Additionally, while both cities have a rich cultural heritage and plenty of fascinating stories to tell, they exist in very different contexts. Prague is a real-life city with a complex history that has shaped its present-day identity. Ravnica, on the other hand, is a fictional world that exists solely within the confines of Magic: The Gathering.

Still, it’s hard to deny the parallels between these two places. Whether intentional or not, the designers of Ravnica have clearly drawn inspiration from Prague’s unique blend of history and architecture. And as Magic players continue to explore this fascinating world, they’ll likely discover even more connections between Ravnica and other real-life locations.